News

Rockford, Ill.- Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Thursday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have signed veteran defenseman Jassen Cullimore to a professional try-out agreement.

The Simcoe, Ontario native has played in 776 National Hockey League games (26g-77a-103pts), including 119 with the Chicago Blackhawks (2005-07), and 960 overall contests between the NHL and AHL. He most recently skated with the Florida Panthers in 2008-09, recording 10 points (2g-8a) and 37 penalty minutes in 68 games.

“Anytime that you have the opportunity to add a defenseman with the experience like Jassen Cullimore has, you’re only going to strengthen your team,” said Bernard. “Jassen will bring a veteran presence on and off the ice and will really assist in the development of our younger defensemen.”

The blueliner played four seasons with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (1988-92) and was selected #29 overall (round 2) in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. He played two full seasons with the Hamilton Canucks (AHL, 1992-94) before making his NHL debut with Vancouver in 1994-95. He has also skated in the NHL for Montreal, Tampa Bay, Chicago and Florida. In 2004, Cullimore was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning team that won the Stanley Cup.

The 37-year-old most recently played in the AHL for the Rochester Americans, notching an assist in three games during the 2007-08 campaign.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 23 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The first annual Hogtoberfest gets under way at 5 p.m. as the IceHogs host a block party on Elm Street and pre-game concert featuring rock band Night Ranger. Also, the first 4,000 fans will pick up a white long-sleeve T-shirt thanks to Dental Dimensions, U.S. Cellular, Guerilla Graffix and ESPN 1380.